If your Bluetooth keyboard will not pair with your computer, even though the keyboard normally connects, the first thing to do is replace the batteries in the keyboard. If your keyboard uses another power source, ensure the power source is providing power to the device. If you have not yet gotten your keyboard to pair with your computer, check the keyboard batteries or power source, and then work through a few troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

Add Device in Windows

You must have the Bluetooth feature enabled in Windows, and you must manually add your keyboard as a Bluetooth device. To enable Bluetooth and add the keyboard, tap the “Settings” option in the Windows Charms bar, then tap the “Change PC Settings” link. Select the “Devices” option in the left sidebar. You are now ready to pair your device with the computer.

Pair Keyboard

Power on the keyboard, and then place the device in pairing mode. For most keyboards, simply hold the Power button for five seconds. Click the “Add” option in the Settings window. The computer lists all devices in range. Click the entry for your keyboard, and then type the pass code that displays on the screen. If you have trouble entering the pass code, you can disable the pass code requirement in Windows.

Remove and Re-Add Device

If you have paired the keyboard with your computer and used the device in the past, but the device does not work now, first make sure your keyboard is in range of the Bluetooth adapter on the computer. Check the keyboard’s user guide for the optimal range for use. If your device is in range, but still not connecting, try removing and re-adding the keyboard as a device in Windows.

Microsoft Fixit Tool

Microsoft offers a free tool to assist users with diagnosing hardware issues. Open the Microsoft Fix It Solution Center page (link in Resources), and click the “Windows” icon. Select the “Install or Upgrade Hardware or Software” option in the first drop-down section, and then select the option to “Install or Remove Hardware and Drivers" in the second set of options. Run the diagnostic tool from the browser. The tool may run for several minutes, and then displays a list of issues along with a suggested resolution. Take the recommended steps to resolve hardware or driver issue with your Bluetooth keyboard.

About the Author

Randall Blackburn has worked for several Fortune 1000 companies as a technical writer over the past seven years. He has produced a wide variety of technical documentation, including detailed programming specifications and research papers. Randall has also acquired several years' experience writing web content. Randall lives and works in Austin, TX.